Hollywood Mini Spotlight
Spotlighting Music , Movies, and Television from the 2020s. You may or may not have heaerd of these but now you will.Â
Episode 76- Boy George and Culture Club (2026)
Boy George & Culture Club (2026) is a revealing music documentary directed by acclaimed filmmaker Alison Ellwood, exploring the rise, success, and complicated relationships of one of the most influential pop groups of the 1980s. Featuring candid interviews with Boy George, Jon Moss, Mikey Craig, and Roy Hay, the film chronicles Culture Club's extraordinary journey from London's New Romantic music scene to international superstardom with hits like âKarma Chameleonâ and âDo You Really Want to Hurt Me.â Through rare archival footage and personal reflections, the documentary examines the band's groundbreaking image, creative tensions, romantic relationships, and enduring musical legacy. Premiering at the Tribeca...
Episode 75- Eternally Yours (CBS)
James Lott Jr watched the first episode of the CBS new Series, Eternally Yours!
Episode 74-The People Collection on Netflix (2026)
Poeple magazine has put up all of their videos series on Netflix!
Episode 73- Secret Mall Apartment (2024)
Fascinating documentary on Netflix about a group of artists who literally make an apartment inside a mall and dont get caught for 4 years. And they have footage!
Episode 72- A Nice Indian Boy (2024)
A gay rom com on Amazon Prime!
Episode 71- Dinner With The Parents (2024)
James shares his reaction to the Amazon Prime series that lasted only 1 season.
Episode 70- Vertical Drama Star Ryan Ray Vincent
Ryan Ray Vincent is an actor and filmmaker whose career spans feature films, network television, indie films, and the rapidly expanding vertical drama space.Ryan has appeared in projects ranging from Andrew Dominik's Blonde (starring Oscar nominee Ana de Armas and Oscar winner Adrien Brody) to ABCâs Stumptown alongside Michael Ealy, Camryn Manheim,Cobie Smulders, and Jake Johnson, as well as Nickelodeon's Game Shakers. His independent film work includes Elizabeth Blue opposite Oscar nominee Kathleen Quinlan and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, along with the a...
Episode 69- William McNamara, "The Trouble with Billy"
William McNamara is an American film and television actor, producer, writer, and director, born in Dallas, Texas. He studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute and built a long screen career with more than 160 film and television credits. He first gained attention in films such as Dream a Little Dream, Stella, Stealing Home, Chasers, and the thriller Copycat. His television work includes appearances in projects such as NYPD Blue, Doing Time on Maple Drive, and numerous TV movies and independent films. Beyond acting, McNamara is known for his dedication to animal rescue and animal rights activism. He is...
Episode 68- The Unknown Story (Peacock 2026)
New documentary series on Peacock!
Episode 67-Vertical Drama Star Cayman Cardiff
Host James Lott Jr has an amazoing convo with the actor!Â
Cayman Cardiff is a Los Angeles-based actor, producer, writer, and director known for his work in short-form and vertical drama series. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, and raised in the South, Cardiff studied Spanish at the University of Utah before moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time. With a background in musical theater and screen work, he has built a growing presence in projects such as A Vampire in the Alphaâs Den, Under the Hood, Good Girl Gone Bad, and Kiss Me Before I Die, My Soldier.
Episode 66-the rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers our brother Hillel (2026)
This doc is on Netflix!
Episode 65- Kylie Part 3 (2026)
James talks about the last episode of the new doc!
Episode 64- Kylie Part 2 (2026)
Reaction to EPisode 2 of the Kylie Minogue Doc on Netflix!
Episode 63-Kylie (2026)
This is reaction to Episode 1 of the 3 part Documentary on Netflix about Kylie Minogue.
Episode 62- Drag House Rules Season 2 with Tony Moore
Out TV's hit series is back for season 2. (May 21st debut) Tony Moore is one of the stars of the show. outtv.com to watch and more info! Follow Tony  â¨@LounginWithTonyâŠÂ
Episode 61- The Indie Film Biz with Director Writer WIll Adams
Tube E Movie is a hilarious Satire on the the Tubi movies! James talks with Will Adams about creating films, the indie biz, getting movies into actual theaters and more. goto lokekey.com for more info! And go to Plex and Mensa to watch the film!
Episode 60- Billy Idol Should Be Dead (2025)
How did I miss this excellent Documentary on an 80s icon! its on Hulu!
Episode 59- Quiet Voices In A Noisy World (2026)
Quiet Voices in a Noisy World: The Struggle for Change in Jasper, Texas is a 2025 documentary directed by Alan Govenar that examines how the African American community in Jasper has worked for decades to confront racism, preserve history, and rebuild dignity after the 1998 lynching of James Byrd Jr.. The film focuses on local volunteers, historians, and community leaders who created museums, memorials, and educational projects to honor Black history in the region and to promote healing and justice. Through interviews, archival images, and personal stories, the documentary highlights how ordinary citizens have used persistence and community engagement to transform their...
Episode 58-The Last Showgirl (2024)
My reaction to the Pam Anderson fim by Gia Coppola!
Episode 57- Golden (2026)
Director Nick Leisure joins JLJ to talk about his new film starring Brian Audtin Green,out today, March 20th!Â
Golden: Approaching fifty with little to show for his life, Frank Savage is stuck working at his fatherâs failing print shop when he discovers he can produce flawless hundred-dollar bills. Planning an escape, Frank sets his sights on buying land in Mexico, only to find himself pulled into a world of betrayal, greed and seduction as ruthless criminals and a suspicious detective close in on his scheme.Starring Brian Austin Green, Alena Savostikova and Massi Furlan, Josh Gilmer, Glenn Plu...
Episode 56- Odd Bird Writer/Director Katy Dore
This short film about a coming out story captured my attention on Youtube! I LOVE the film and I got to talk with Katy Dore! Support Indy short films and esp. queer ones!
Episode 55- Inside Americas Next Top Model (2026)
I give my reaction to the new Netflix documentary about Tyra Banks HIT show!
Episode 54: Take That (Netflix)
This new (2026) 3 part documentary on the famouse boy band is amazing! on Netflix!
Episode 53- The Right Track (Documentary) 2025
James Lott Jr has a chat with Director Shareen Anderson and Janet Jensen of the Jensen ProjectThe Right Track is a powerful documentary that amplifies the voices of survivors of sex trafficking, revealing their resilience, heartbreak, and courage as they fight for freedom, justice, and a future where exploited individuals are no longer criminalized but protected.Â
Warning: This film contains violent content and stories of intense sexual trauma. If you suspect you are a victim of sex trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text âhelpâ to 233722.Â
Episode 52: Breakdown 1975 (Netflix)
This doc, narrated by Jodie Foster, is so much fun and ties together the political climate with the social scenes and their effects on Filma nd TV! On Netflix!
Episode 51-SCHINDLER SPACE ARCHITECTÂ (2025)
SCHINDLER SPACE ARCHITECT explores the life and legacy of visionary modernist architect Rudolph M. Schindlerâwhose innovative designs helped shape the Southern California lifestyle. Featuring rare archival materials, the film sheds light on an architect whose influence is often overshadowed by his mentor Frank Lloyd Wright and collaborator Richard Neutra. New interviews with design luminaries including Frank Gehry, Thom Mayne, Steven Holl, Wolf D. Prix, Ray Kappe, and Mark Mack reveal Schindlerâs impact on contemporary architecture. Â
The documentary has been embraced by film festivals ar...
Episode 50- Vertical Drama Star Cayla Brady
Cayla Brady is an American actress who began performing at the age of seven and has since built a diverse acting career across film, web series, and vertical dramas. She made her early film debut as a stand-in/photo double in Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2, and went on to appear opposite Russell Crowe in The Nice Guys. Brady has gained recognition for her lead roles in popular vertical drama titles such as The Quarterback Next Door and Donât Miss Me When Iâm Gone, showcasing her versatility in both romance and dramatic storytelling. Her work blends traditional screen acti...
Episode 49- Vertical Drama Star Richard Sharrah
James talks with the Vertical Drama star about the verticals, but also about his upbringing, what he learned at TISCH NYC and USC MBA in LA! Very business minded and he has a family! SOmeof his series include: Daddy I'm Your Lucky Star, Mommy Don't Cry Daddy is Sorry , and Someone Loved is Never Lost. Reelshort App.
CEO DAD!
follow at Richard Sharrah everywhere!
Episode 48: Multi Hyphenate Vertical Drama Star Jared Anthony Smith
James Lott Jr chats with the multi talented Star on his modeling days, athletics, writing and musicianship. Of course we talk about some of the Verticals he's been in like Reborn for the Lycan King for Reelshort app! goto jaredanthonysmith.com
Episode 47- Indie and Vertical Drama Actor David Lepore
James Lott Jr chats with the multi-talented David Lepore. Vertical dramas: Got Pregnant with Ex Boss' Baby (Snack Short), Alante's Mistaken Fiancee, just to name a few. Award winning short film, Walking on Thin Ice and series I am Him (2025. He is a Cal Poly Pomona grad! Follow him at David Lepore everywhere!
Episode 46- Vertical Drama Star Samantha Drews
James Lott Jr gets to chat with the lovely Samantha Drews! Samantha is an American actress, screenwriter, and producer known for her impactful work in vertical drama series and short films. A graduate of California State University, Fullerton with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts, she began her career behind the scenes as a production and post-production intern with ABC Signature before transitioning into full-time acting.  Samantha has appeared in popular ReelShort productions such as Mommy Donât Cry, Daddy Is Sorry and Accidental Triplets with the Billionaire, portraying a range of compelling characters and showcasing her versatility on scre...
Episode 45-What IS A Vertical Drama
JLJ explains the new medium of entertainment!
Episode 44- Simon Cowell: The Next Act (2025)
Cowell launched Simon Cowell: The Next Act, a Netflix series that follows his evolution beyond traditional talent shows and into a new era of creator-led entertainment. The project focuses on developing, owning, and distributing original talent and content, highlighting Cowellâs shift toward digital platforms, long-term artist partnerships, and direct audience connection. With a career spanning decades and artists such as One Direction, Leona Lewis, and Susan Boyle emerging under his guidance, Simon Cowell continues to redefine how talent is discovered, nurtured, and sustained in an ever-changing entertainment landscape.
Episode 43- Cuisine De la'Pocalypse (2025)
James Lott Jr chats with the Husband and wife team of Kyle And Zuzu Weingart, who are in Wyoming.Kyle is a Montana-based writer/director whose upcoming comedy drops October 15, just in time for Halloween. Itâs a post-apocalyptic romp where zombies and robots invade, but one chef refuses to let the end of the world get in the way of hosting a cooking show for the ages. Drawing inspiration from legends like Mel Brooks and Monty Python, Kyle blends outrageous humor, throwback energy, and some seriously wild genre twists. Zuzu is a producer and the Lead actress of the fi...
Episode 42- Poet and Vertical Drama Star Eric Guilmette
Eric Guilmette (âThe Poetâ) grew up in Grafton, Massachusetts, an hour outside Boston. His acting credits include the holiday film âTails of Christmasâ (Great American Family). However, he is best known for his success in the vertical drama space. He was voted the 2024 Vertical Legend and Best Actor in a Drama (Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards) and won the Sapphire Vision Award at the Vertical Awards. Outside of acting, Guilmette writes romance poetry. His debut poetry book âsex and oatmealâ reached #1 on Amazonâs New Releases (Poetry) with the Audible and Kindle formats spending several weeks at the top spot. Follow him  â¨...
Episode 41- Vertical Drama Star Seth Edeen
Seth Edeen (âThe Football Starâ) grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming. A standout high school athlete, Edeen intended to follow his uncles into the NFL, playing NCAA Division 1 football for the University of Wyoming. However, an on-field injury led to him medically retiring from football. Edeen moved to Los Angeles and within two weeks he was signed by a modeling agency and started acting classes. When his roommate told him about a vertical project, he landed a role. The work kept coming. Today, his shows have amassed over 1 billion views. Follow him @sethedeen on IG James Lott JR is the host!
Episode 40- Singer/Songwriter & Vertical Drama Star Luke Charles Stafford
Luke Charles Stafford (âThe Smalltown Kidâ) was raised in Anderson, Indiana in a working-class home. A triple-threat, he made his acting/singing debut on Broadway opposite Carrie Underwood in âHome for the Holidaysâ. His TV/film credits include the award-winning indie feature âEast of Middle West,â âRoad Trip Hostageâ (Lifetime), âMegalodon Risingâ opposite Tom Sizemore, and the upcoming adventure movie âThe Iron Onesâ. AND he has a new song out Called "Out Of Time" (on all audio streaming platforms) and his @lcsfitnesscoach And follow him at  â¨@lukecharlesstaffordâŠÂ James Lott Jr is the host!
Episode 39- Vertical Drama Star Tyler Scherer
Tyler Scherer (âThe Zaddyâ) grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, one of seven siblings. He began his career in the theater, appearing in over 30 plays and musicals, including the national tour of âBeauty and the Beastâ. He moved into television with a prolific career in national commercials and indie films, which led to success in verticals. Perhaps is proudest achievement is being the Worldâs Best Uncle to eight nieces and nephews. James Lott Jr has a great convo with him and later Tyler's dad joins us and has some great words about his son! Follow Tyler on IG @gowatchmyreel
Episode 38-Being Eddie (2025)
JLJ talks about the new Documentary of Eddie Murphy on Netflix!
Episode 37- TV We Love (2025)
8 part docuseries on the CW, James talks about the first few episodes!